Phyllis Neilson-Terry (1892-1977)

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Phyllis Neilson-Terry (1892-1977)

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Some breif facts:
  • Born 15th October 1892 - London, England.
  • Died 25th Spetember 1977 - London, England.
  • AKA Phyllida Terson.
  • Married 1) actor Cecil King, 2) Heron Carvir.
  • Daughter of actress Julia Neilson and actor Fred Terry.
  • Mother of actress Hazel Terry.
  • Sister of actor Dennis Neilson-Terry.
  • Neice of actress Ellen Terry.
  • Movie Credits - Constance in 'King John' (1899).
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"The Perfect Gentleman"
Adapted by W. Somerset Maugham, from Moliere's "Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme."
Produced at His Majesty's Theatre, May 27, 1913.

Sir Herbert Tree, Messrs. Philip Merivale, A. E. George, Ben Field, Gerald Ames, Roy Byford, Henry Morrell, Walter R. Creighton, Misses Rose Edouin, Mabel Hoy, and Phyllis Neilson-Terry.

The story of "The Perfect Gentleman" is so well-blown that a mere sketch of the plot will suffice. Mr. Jourdain, a common type of successful merchant, retires from his business and sets about the task of getting himself received in "Society." He determines to shine among the members of the fashionable world of Paris. To this end he practices fencing and engages various professors to complete his education. He then makes a supreme effort to gain admission to the "smart set" by giving a sumptuous banquet, to be followed by an operatic perform­ance, and a performance by a party of low comedians. The banquet is served, but the time occupied over the rich wines is so long that it seems necessary to "cut" the turn of the low comedians. Jourdain, however, is not the sort of man to pay for a thing and not have it, so he decides to put both "shows" on at once! The music bores Jourdain, and he falls asleep, awaking later to discover that his fine new friends have left without even taking leave of him! Much hurt at their behaviour, he consoles him­self with the knowledge that he has mixed with people of good birth, even though they have treated him discourteously, and with this to Comfort him the curtain falls.

The story of the opera, "Ariadne in Naxos," which Jourdain had produced for the entertain­ment of his friends, is very slight. Ariadne has been cast off by Theseus, and is transported to the Island of Naxos. Bacchus tells her to forget Theseus, which she does, and finds consolation in the love of Bacchus.

The production furnished another opportunity for Sir Herbert Tree to display his wonderful faculties for character acting. From the moment he stepped on to the stage as Mr. Jourdain, the "bourgeois" gentleman, the attention of the audience was riveted upon him. Miss Phyllis Neilson-Terry gave also a fine performance and the work of Miss Rose Edouin was much appreciated. The mounting was, as usual, superb, while the music, by Strauss, was quite original. Mr. Thomas Beecham, who produced the opera, held his company well in hand, and the work was faultlessly rendered.

The Playgoer and Society Illustrated, Vol 8 No. 45, June 1913.


Phyllis Neilson-Terry Biography
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